Scotland Vacation June 2007

**starbkjrus** · 26th July 07, 07:03 PM

After that we had a calm lunch on the roof of the building. Only bought a Tattoo Video from 2006. Hmmmm. Sandwich, soup, salad and video.

I think I'm still under the influence of Geoffrey (Tailor). Hmmm. Is Howie back from is Honeymoon yet?!?

**Hamish** · 27th July 07, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by starbkjrus

After that we had a calm lunch on the roof of the building. Only bought a Tattoo Video from 2006. Hmmmm. Sandwich, soup, salad and video.

I think I'm still under the influence of Geoffrey (Tailor). Hmmm. Is Howie back from is Honeymoon yet?!?

And those few items cost you 300 pounds sterling, Dee? Not in a month of Sundays surely?! Not even at Geoffrey's!

No (or yes). Howie is 'in harness' and I am meeting with him in London on Saturday (wow, that's today!) They did not take a honeymoon and it was straight back to work for him after the wedding. As far as I know, they will be taking a holiday later in the year.

You did realise, I hope, that the building you pictured here, The Edinburgh Old Town Weaving Mill exhibition and shop, whilst fascinating, is a lesser part of their business? It is, of course, a working weaving mill where hundreds of tartans and 'own label' tweeds are woven by the Geoffrey (Tailor) and TFCK companies, but their main 'serious' shop is way down the Royal Mile at 57/59 High Street, right next to John Knox's house. The Castlehill building also houses the Spirit of the Tattoo Visitor Centre - the café being part of that.

Anyway, it seems you got the Edinburgh leg of your holiday off to a good start. No doubt the Edinburgh Castle esplanade was a mass of scaffolding and tiered seating in readiness for the world-famous Tattoo which starts on 3rd August. It takes months to errect and totally spoils the famous view of the castle, which is such a pity - but the Tattoo is worth the disruption (althoiugh I have yet to see it live myself!).

Super photos, by the way.

**starbkjrus** · 28th July 07, 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

And those few items cost you 300 pounds sterling, Dee? Not in a month of Sundays surely?! Not even at Geoffrey's!

You did realise, I hope, that the building you pictured here, The Edinburgh Old Town Weaving Mill exhibition and shop, whilst fascinating, is a lesser part of their business?

It takes months to errect and totally spoils the famous view of the castle, which is such a pity - but the Tattoo is worth the disruption (althoiugh I have yet to see it live myself!).

Super photos, by the way.

I dunno Hamish. That soup was pretty pricey.

Yes, we went to Geoffrey's further down as well as Hector Russell on Princes' street but this one had more "splash" effect I thought.

You don't know how relieved I am to hear that the scaffolding is not a permanent fixture - It's really awful. But you're right, the tattoo is worth it.

**Une** · 28th July 07, 07:01 AM

lt was always one of my husbands dearest wishes to see the tatto live, perhaps one day l might.
Dee £300

& no kilt?

**McPostie** · 28th July 07, 07:22 AM

Great pics really enjoyed looking at them, looks like you had a good time

**McClef** · 28th July 07, 12:24 PM

The top shop is still an interesting place to wander through, it's a bit like a Tardis! Pity to hear who the new landlords of the site are though...

And the scaffolding - it takes ages to take down too - it was still up last October, two months after the Tattoo!

**Hamish** · 29th July 07, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by McClef

The top shop is still an interesting place to wander through, it's a bit like a Tardis! Pity to hear who the new landlords of the site are though...

Oh, I agree it is fascinating. Regardless of what I said, I still go there (almost) every time I am in the City. You are so right, Trefor, it IS like a tardis!!

And the scaffolding - it takes ages to take down too - it was still up last October, two months after the Tattoo!

I believe they also use the Tattoo 'arena' for pop concerts and the like, either before or following the Tattoo itself.

Hmmmn! I seem to remember reading somewhere, a while back, that the scaffolding is to be replaced soon with specially designed, demountable units which can be errected and dismantled in less than a week each time. I am not sure, actually, which is worse: the scaffolding or the masses of tourists' coaches which park on the Esplanade when the scaffolding is not in place!

**McClef** · 30th July 07, 04:34 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

Hmmmn! I seem to remember reading somewhere, a while back, that the scaffolding is to be replaced soon with specially designed, demountable units which can be errected and dismantled in less than a week each time. I am not sure, actually, which is worse: the scaffolding or the masses of tourists' coaches which park on the Esplanade when the scaffolding is not in place!

Well I don't think that coaches would have the same effect on the view Hamish!

**starbkjrus** · 30th July 07, 03:54 PM

OK, Lets finish this up if we can....I'm sorry that it's taken so long to get my act together....

Here is a shot from the battlements of Edinburgh Castle looking er...north across the New Town to the Firth of Fourth

And another with a huge tour bus (from Ireland) sitting in the Esplanade:

Some of the folks busking on the Royal Mile are very much worth their while. This one we gave money to:

If you are visiting Edinburgh and not "in Season" then you really should visit this shop. VERY interesting. If you are there in season then ATTEND the fringe. Trust me on this one.

Ok, sorry. Out of order...

The Scottish War Memorial at the Castle. An unbelievable place. If you are going to Edinburgh GO THERE...

It surprised me....I had always thought of Edinburgh Castle as an historical site (and it is) but it is also a fully working military site. The Castle defenses are certainly up to date:

These are the same defenses that fire the One O'Clock gun. This is not an antique. These folks are serious.